A Form of Immunological Atherosclerosis

Abstract

During the last two decades, the literature on atherosclerosis has become overwhelming. Not only have there been many original scientific contributions, but the subject has been discussed extensively in review articles and books. The pathology observed in human coronary atherosclerosis appears to be unique but does bear some resemblance to certain phases of both induced and spontaneous atherosclerosis in animals. Factors that appear to contribute to both human and animal vascular derangement embrace a wide diversity of stimuli. Dietary components such as lipids have been, and still are, fashionable as pathogenic agents [1]. There is a strong school of thought that believes the early formation of thrombi is of paramount importance in the human disease [2]. The rheologists believe that the turbulence and flow through vessels of certain sizes contribute profoundly to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis [3]. Other investigators believe that prospective coronary artery disease patients can be found using personality test interviews [4]. Correlations have been found relating coronary heart disease with hypertension, obesity, cigarette smoking, circulating catecholamines, and heredity [5]. It is obvious from the numerous studies by reputable investigators that the formation of the ultimate vascular change called “atheroma” is probably a common result of a variety of stimuli. Not only do these multiple etiologic factors have a similar pathologic manifestation, but also there must be a receptive vessel in an appropriately receptive individual for the formation of an atheromatous lesion.